Equivalent Focal Length of Lenses in Contact (1/f = 1/f₁ + 1/f₂)

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1/f = 1/f₁ + 1/f₂

What each symbol means

SymbolWhat it stands for
f_1Focal length of first lens (with sign)
f_2Focal length of second lens (with sign)
f_{eq}Equivalent focal length of the combination

When to use this

Thin lenses in contact. P_eq = P₁ + P₂ (powers add). f can be negative (diverging combination). Extends to N lenses: 1/f = Σ(1/fᵢ). This entry emphasizes power addition and sign handling.